VIENTIANE: The governments of Laos and Vietnam are pushing ahead with major transport, energy and mining projects to strengthen economic links and turn bilateral agreements into concrete results.
The two countries highlighted the need to advance the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, Laos-Vietnam railway, oil pipeline and Khammuan potash mining projects during high-level talks held in Vientiane on Sept 21.
Secretary General of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party and President, Thongloun Sisoulith, received a courtesy call and discussed the projects with Vietnam’s Standing Deputy Prime Minister Pham Gia Tuc during the latter’s official visit to Laos.
The projects are part of efforts to strengthen economic infrastructure and connectivity between the two countries.
The Vientiane–Hanoi Expressway and the Vientiane-Vung Ang Railway are key projects strengthening connectivity between Laos and Vietnam. The expressway’s 203.8-kilometre second section, running from Pakxan district in Bolikhamxay province to the Laos–Vietnam border, is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2029.
The US$6.6 billion railway will connect Vientiane with Vung Ang port in Vietnam’s central Ha Tinh province. The Lao section spans 452km and the Vietnamese section approximately 119km. Construction of the Lao section is due to begin this year, with the line expected to complete in 2030.
The oil pipeline project has also gained greater importance as Laos seeks alternative fuel supply routes and stronger energy security in response to recent supply challenges.
Thongloun and Pham Gia Tuc also discussed cooperation in politics, national defence and security, economic affairs, trade, investment and education.
Pham Gia Tuc’s visit was his first to Laos since taking up the post of Standing Deputy Prime Minister. It aimed to follow up on agreements reached by the two Parties’ Politburos and the outcomes of the 48th session of the Laos-Vietnam Intergovernmental Committee on Bilateral Cooperation.
Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone welcomed Pham Gia Tuc and his delegation to Laos on the same day.
Dr Sonexay said the visit provided an opportunity for the two sides to review cooperation during the first nine months of 2026 and set priorities for the final three months of the year.
He stressed the importance of turning agreements between the two Parties into practical results, particularly through faster progress on the Vientiane-Hanoi Expressway, Laos-Vietnam railway, Khammuan potash mining project, and oil pipeline.
The two sides observed that cooperation had strengthened across several fields. They identified political, defence and security cooperation as a firm pillar of bilateral ties.
Earlier the same day, Standing Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith held talks with Pham Gia Tuc to review bilateral cooperation and priorities for the remainder of 2026. Vietnamese investment has become a major part of the economic relationship, with 435 approved projects worth about US$8 billion, making Vietnam the second-largest investor among 53 countries investing in Laos.
The Lao government approved six Vietnamese investment projects worth US$4.7 billion during the first eight months of 2026, while the value of two-way trade reached US$1.8 billion.
Vietnam is also providing 1,300 scholarships for Lao nationals this year, while the two countries continue work on the Laos-Vietnam Friendship University.
Pham Gia Tuc said Vietnam would continue working closely with Laos to advance agreements reached by their senior leaders and turn strategic cooperation projects into practical results for the two peoples.
Discussions also covered preparations for an upcoming official visit to Laos by Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.
Looking ahead, Laos and Vietnam are preparing for the 2027 Laos-Vietnam Solidarity and Friendship Year, which will mark 65 years of diplomatic relations and 50 years since the signing of the Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation. - Vientiane Times/ANN
